Power unit for animated objects



July 2, 1957 H. E. LOHNES POWER UNIT FOR ANIMATED OBJECTS Filed April 19, 1.955 2 Sheets-Sheet l a7 $2 mmvrox Howard E. Lohnes.

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July 2, 1957 H. E. LOHNES POWER UNIT FOR ANIMATED OBJECTS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 19, 1955 INVENTOR. Howard Lohnes ATTQRNEVS,

Unite States Patent POWER UNIT FOR ANIMATED OBJECTS Howard E.- Lohnes, Kansas City, Mo., assignor to Hallmark Cards, Incorporated, Kansas City, Mo., a corporation of Missouri Application April 19, 1955, Serial No. 502,306 4 Claims. (Cl. 46-103) This invention relates to movable animated objects, such as greeting cards or the like, and more particularly to a power unit for such animated objects.

The principal objects of the present invention are to provide a movable or walking animated character from cardboard, stiff paper .or the like having a body with a detachable bottom or panel member; to provide a power unit in the bottom or panel of said character for contacting a plane surface for moving the same along the plane surface such as a table, floor or the like; to provide a top or head portion for the character; to provide means for fastening the character portions of the card together; to provide a bottom or panel member cut from a sheet of cardboard material and folded to form a rigid mounting for the power unit; to provide means for securing the power unit in the bottom or panel of the character; to provide a non-skid member on the power unit and to provide a device of this character simple and economical to manufacture.

in accomplishing these and other objects of the invention, I have provided improved details of structure, the preferred forms of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. l is a perspective view of my invention shown in slightly tilted position to illustrate the power unit.

Fig. 2 is a disassembled view of the various parts forming the power unit and its mounting panel in the body of the character except the resilient members.

Fig. 3 is a disassembled view of the power unit.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged diagrammatic view of one end of the power unit showing the resilient member secured thereto.

Fig. is a perspective view of the panel for mounting the power unit in the body of the character in partly assembled condition.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the power :unit mounted in the panel.

Referring more in detail to the drawings:

1 designates an animated character embodying the features of my invention here shown to be in the form of a Santa Claus, although any other form of object may be used, the illustrated form comprising a sheet of cardboard or the like cut to form a substantially cone-shaped or flared skirt member 2 secured together at their edges in a suitable manner, such as by tongues on one edge fitting in grooves or slots on the other side edge, or by stapling. Spaced around the lower portion of the skirt 2 and spaced from the lower edge 3 thereof are horizontal slots or the like 4 adapted to receive tongues. 5 and 6 on each side 7 and 8 of bottom or panel member 9., also cut from a piece of cardboard having a central longitudinal opening 10 cut in such panel. The panel 9 is scored along lines 11 and 11 and the ends cut at a indicated at 12 and 13 providing outwardly extending tabs 14 and 15 on each end thereof so that the cutout portions will form side flaps or walls 16 and 17 adapted to fold upwardlyon the score lines 11 and 11 for the purpose later shown. Score lines 18v and 19 are provided along each end 20 and 21 of the panel 9 to provide end flaps or walls 22 and 23. The end flaps are provided with score lines 24 and 25 spaced inwardly from the outer edges 26 and 27 and the end flaps may be folded on score lines 24 and 25 and score lines 18 and 19 to form substantially triangular-shaped end walls 28 and 29 for the panel mem ber as best illustrated in Fig. 5. The other portions oi: the end flaps 22 and 23 are provided with openings 30 and 31 placed at a slight angle near the corners thereof.

In forming the panel member as shown in Fig. 5, the end flaps or members 22 and 23 are folded on the score lines 18 and 19 and again on the lines 24 and 25 so that the outer edges 26 and 27 engage on the plane surface of the panel member near the end of the openings. The side wall members 16 and 17 are folded on the lines 11 and 11 substantially upwardly and extend to a slight angle outwardly. The end tabs 14 and 15 engage in the openings 30 and 31 of the end walls 28 and 29, thus forming a rigid wall structure for the panel and mounting of the power unit therein as will later be shown.

A power unit '33 is constructed from four separate pieces of cardboard or the like comprising end walls 34 and 35, a stilfening member 36 and a trackway or tread 37. The member 36 comprises a substantially rectangular member having score lines 38 and 39 spaced from the ends thereof and are folded in a substantially Z-shape to engage between the end members 34 and 35. The end members are provided with slots 40 and '41 set at a slight angle to spaced slot 42 and 43 at the edges 'of the circular members. The stiffening member 36 is provided on the respective side edges with semi-circular tabs 44 and 45 having openings 46 and 47. The sides are also provided with substantially arrow-shaped tongues 48 and 49 on the outer side edges of the rectangular member near the ends thereof which are adapted to engage in the slots '42 and 43 respectively in the end members 34 and 35 when the stiffening member is in the substantially Z-shaped or accordion-like construction as heretofore stated. The semi-circular tabs 44 and 45 engage in the angularly set slots 40 and 41.

The track or tread member 37 has offset portions 50 forming an end tab 51 on one end thereof and a score line 52 located along the offset portion. A slot 53 is provided along such score line and is enlarged on the tab end side forming a small opening as indicated at 54. The opposite end of the tread i provided with a substantially arrow-shaped tongue 55. The trackway 37 is wound around the stiffening member 36 substantially flush with the end members 34 and 35. The tread member is held in place by insertion of the tongue 55 in the slot 53 and the notches 56 at the base of the tongue engage the edge of the slot to retain the tread thereon. Resilient bands 56 and 57 are also added for encircling the tread or trackway to aid in holding the trackway together and also to give traction to the tread when the device is in operation.

The power unit is resiliently mounted on the panel member 9 by resilient bands 58 and 59, here shown to be ordinary rubber bands one end of which is secured in the openings 46 and 47 of the tabs 44 and 45 on the stiffening member 36 as best illustrated at 60 and 60', Fig. 1. The rubber band is attached to the openings in the ends of the cylinder by threading one loop through the holes 46 and 47 and then through the loop in the other end of the band and pulled substantially tight.

The panel member is provided on the score lines 18 and 19 at substantially the center thereof and spaced apart with cutout portions 61 and 62 with their outer ends tapered as indicated at 63 and 64 to P'UOVldBllOOklike members 65 and 66 on the respective ends of the panel member. The free ends of the rubber bands 58 and 59 are placed over these hook members and the power unit is thus suspended within the panel. The end members 22 and 23 of the panel member are provided with openings 67 and 68 at substantially between the openings 61 and 62 and outwardly therefrom to form notches 69 and 70 in the edges 71 and 72 of the end walls 28 and 29 of the panel member as best illustrated in Fig. 5, to hold the bands in place and mount the power unit within the opening of the end of the panel member. Tension of the rubber bands 58 and 59 will hold the tabs 14 and in the openings 29 land and thus hold the side and end walls in position and lend rigidity to the panel or mounting member for the power unit.

Circumferentially around the upper portion of the body portion 2 are slits 73 adapted to receive tongues 74 on the respective lower edges of a circular member 75 cut from a piece of cardboard material having a tail or the like 76 extending from the upper corner thereof simulating the tail of Santas cap, and the free edge 'of the body is provided with a slit (not shown) adapted to receive a tongue (not shown) on the opposite edge of the head member securing the head member in circular position and the tongues 74 engaging in the slits 73 holding the head on the flared body portion 2 Ornaments 77 and 78 are provided for the skirt portion, having tongues 79 and 80 engaging in slots 81 of the flared skirt portion.

As previously stated, the character here depicted is in the form of a Santa Clause, and the circular head portion 75 has spaced slots 82 adapted to receive tabbed ends 83 of a cardboard simulating a beard 84. Depicted on the upper portion thereof is a mouth 85 land whiskers 86. A nose 87 and eyes 88 are depicted 'on the circular member 75, although I do not wish to be limited to any particular character or any particular shape.

Assembling of the animated object constructed as described is as follows:

The body 2 is secured together by the tongue and slot connection as above specified and the head secured thereon in a similar manner to assemble the main body portion of the character. The panel member 9 or mount for the power unit proper is folded on the score lines 18 and 19 and 23 and 24 respectively to form the ends 28 and 29 of the framework and the side walls 16 and 17 folded'upwardly and the tabs thereon inserted through the openings 30 and 31 in the end flaps 22 and 23.

The stiffening center member 36 of the power unit proper is folded on the score lines 38 and 39 to form a substantially Z-shape and the circular end members 34 and secured thereon by insertion of the tongues and tabs through the slots in the end of the cylinder. The tread or cylinder strip 37 is bent around the Z-shaped stiffening member and the ends secured together by the tongue and grooves as above set forth. The rubber bands are then placed around the outside of the cylinder, here shown to be two in number, although any number may be used without departing from the spirit of my invention. The rubber bands are then attached to each end of the cylinder or power unit by threading one loop through the hole openings 46 and 47 and run through the end of the tab as shown in Fig. l to tighten the rubber band on the tab. The power unit or cylinder is then set into the opening of the panel or cylinder mount and the free ends of the rubber bands engage over the hooks and 66 on-such mount and the body of the rubber bands engage in the notches 69 and 70. I preferably indicate the upper and front side of the panel member 9 by an arrow as indicated at 89. The power unit including the mount or panel as illustrated in Fig. 6 is then fixed in the body 2 of the character, the arrow side up and the tabs 5 and 6 inserted in the openings 4 in the body portion as illustrated in Fig. l to mount the unit and its mounting panel in the body of the character.

In operation of the animated character, the character is placed on any large plane or smooth surface such as table or floor and the character rolled or pushed backwards thus winding the power unit on the resilient mountings, i. e. twisting of the rubber bands 58 and 59, and then upon releasing of the character, the character will move forward. It will be obvious the farther backward the character is rolled, the farther forward it will move upon release.

While I have here depicted the device in one form, any other form or shape of character may be utilized without departing from the spirit of my invention. I also do not wish to be limited to the rubber bands for mounting of the power unit in the mounting panel as other means might also be utilized.

It will be obvious from the foregoing that I have provided an improved power unit for an animated character supported in a stiffened mounting panel which in turn is mounted in the body portion of the character a short distance from the bottom edge thereof so that the power unit will contact the plane surface when set in. upright position.

What I claim land desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A power unit and mounting therefor for an animated eharacter for movement on a plane surface to be traversed, said animated character having a body member, said mounting including a substantially rectangular shaped member having a center opening and side walls vertical therewith extending outwardly from one face thereof, score lines spaced from each end of said rectangular member, score lines substantially midway between the first named score lines land said ends whereby said rectangular member may be folded on said score lines to form substantially vertical end Walls braced by inclined walls, means for securing the end and side walls together to stiffen said rectangular member, means for securing said mounting member in the body of said character, said power unit having end walls, a stiffening member for said power unit, means securing said stiffening member to said end walls of the power unit, a tread member having a flap on one end provided with a slot and a tongue on the other end for attaching the ends together, said tread member being adapted to engage aroundsaid stiffening member, resilient members surrounding said tread member for aiding in holding the same together and forming a traction for said tread member, resilient means secured to the ends of said power unit and engaging said end walls of said mounting member for mounting the power unit in said mounting member whereby movement of the character in one direction on a surface to be traversed will cause the unit to wind land upon release of the character the unit will rotate in the opposite direction to move said character over said surface.

2. A power unit and mounting therefor for an animated character for movement on a plane surface to be traversed, said animated character having a body member, said mounting including a substantially rectangular shaped member having a center opening and side walls vertical therewith extending outwardly from one face thereof, score lines spaced from each end of said rectangular member, score lines substantially midway between the first named score lines and said ends whereby said rectangular member may be folded on said score lines to form substantially vertical end walls braced by inclined walls, means for securing the end and side walls together to stiffen said rectangular member, means for securing said mounting member in the body of said character, said power unit comprising end walls having a pluralityof slots therein, a stiffening member for said power unit having score lines for folding said member in a substantially Z-shape and having side tabs provided with openings and tongues extending from the side edges thereof, a tread member having a flap on one end provided with a slot and a tongue on the other end, said tabs and tongues on the Z-shaped member engaging in the slots in said end members, said tread member being adapted to engage around said stiffening member and having its ends secured together, resilient members surrounding said tread member for aiding in holding the same together and forming a tread for said member, resilient means secured to the tabs on said Z-shaped member and said end walls of said mounting member for mounting the power unit in said mounting member whereby movement of the character in one direction on a surface to be traversed will cause unit to wind and upon release of the character the unit will rotate in the opposite direction to move said character over said surface.

3. A power unit and mounting therefor for an animated character for movement on a plane surface to be traversed, said animated character having a body member, said mounting including a substantially rectangular shaped member having a center opening and side walls vertical therewith extending outwardly from one face thereof, score lines spaced from each end of said rectangular member, score lines substantially midway between the first named score lines and said ends whereby said end members may be folded on said score lines to form substantially vertical end walls braced by inclined walls, means for securing the end and side walls together to stiffen said member, means for securing said mounting member in the body of said character, said power unit comprising end walls having a plurality of slots therein, a stilfening member for said power unit provided with score lines for folding said member in a substantially Z-shape and having side tabs provided with openings, tongues On the side edges of the stifiening member, a tread member for engaging a plane surface to be traversed and having a flap on one end provided with a slot and a tongue on the other end, said tabs and tongues n the Z-shaped member engaging in the slots in said end walls, said tread member being adapted to engage around said stiffening member and having its ends secured together, rubber bands surrounding said tread member forming a tread for said member, rubber bands secured to the tabs on said 2- shaped member extending through the end walls of the unit, and hook means on said end walls of said mounting member receiving the ends of said last named rubber bands for mounting the power unit in said mounting member whereby movement of the character in one direction on a surface to be traversed will cause unit to wind and upon release of the character the unit will rotate in the opposite direction to move said character over said surface.

4. An animated character for movement on a plane surface to be traversed, comprising, a body member having a hollow lower portion open at the bottom thereof, a flat panel having a central substantially rectangular opening therein, means on the panel engaging the body member and fixing the panel adjacent the bottom thereof whereby the panel and rectangular opening therein extend transversely of the body member, depending opposed side and end walls on the panel at the edges defining said central opening, means securing said side and end walls together to stiffen said walls and panel, said opposed end walls having slots midway the lower ends thereof, a cylindrical rotary element adapted to roll on a plane surface to be traversed, said cylindrical rotary element being closed at the ends and adapted to be positioned between the opposed side and end walls in spaced relation thereto, axial tabs on the ends of the cylindrical rotary element and ex tending therefrom, said tabs having openings therein, elongate resilient driving members each having one end engaging the openings in the respective tabs and extending therefrom through the slots in the adjacent end walls, and means fixing the other ends of the resilient driving members relative to the panel in outwardly spaced relation to the end walls whereby the slots in said end walls position the resilient driving members and rotary element and movement of the body member in one direction on a surface to be traversed will cause the resilient driving members to wind and upon release of the body member the driving members will rotate the rotary element to move the body member in the opposite direction over said surface.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 368,499 Teichman Aug. 16, 1887 1,187,660 Savage June 20, 1916 2,549,668 Cox Apr. 17, 1951 2,625,771 Herrick Jan. 20, 1953 FOREIGN PATENTS 480,564 Great Britain Feb. 24, 1938 

